Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

robham7770 replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

Bri B wrote: I think a planted tank with a pleco and 1 oscar can be healthy if the filtration and wcs are correct. For God's sake in the 70s and 80s people had O's in groups in small tanks with no info and carbon pouch filters. In my extremely new guy opinion if the fish you keep have enough swim room, are not fighting each other, have a proper diet and have filtration/wcs that keep ammonia nitrite levels at zero and nitrate at a minimum than who is one person to say it's healthy or not.

I very rarely tell anyone that they are overstocked, but in reality from experience a heavily stocked tank has more problems than a lightly stocked tank. Aggression can go from mild to death overnight(literally), filters fail, wcs are missed for any number of reasons, etc... Proper stocking is more of a hedge against problems than an absolute. The way I see it, most everyone would love to keep the max number of cool fish they can in the tank space they have. I have had 2xoscars in a 55, had a pleco,oscar, salvini and 6xsd in a 75. I would still have things like that if it worked.

Bri B replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

I just think that it boils down to 2 factors. The consistent healthy water conditions and compatibility of the fish you keep. If both are good than you will have a healthy happy tank. If either fail it's almost instant disaster. There are plenty of reference materials but every aquarium comes down to those same 2 factors. If both are good the fish are good.

robham7770 replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

Bri B wrote: I just think that it boils down to 2 factors. The consistent healthy water conditions and compatibility of the fish you keep. If both are good than you will have a healthy happy tank. If either fail it's almost instant disaster. There are plenty of reference materials but every aquarium comes down to those same 2 factors. If both are good the fish are good.

Yep, but the h2o quality is the only factor you have a say so in, and it is always easier to maintain with less fish. My oscar is 2' from me right now in a 75 with 6 sds, he is hungry and needs a wc. so I am not trying to suggest that I have all my ducks in a row, or pass judgement. I think the difference between myself and newbies is that I know this is a bad set up, and have no intention of keeping it that way. Like a lot of new members I planned on upgrading his tank to a 120, but time has run out.

Bri B replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

Let me follow by saying I know 2 O's need substantially larger tank and will obtain one or another 55 or larger so they r both healthy. Just am reporting what I've observed first hand and what I've observed is 2 fish in the best water conditions a tank can provide. I have zero intent to keep them in a 55 for any longer than need be.

robham7770 replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

Bri B wrote: So not your fault about the baby pleco rob. I put him in a tank with hazardous deco due to not enough research on his species. He was a lost cause before u ever told me I should give it time. You have been one of the most informative, frequently interactive members to me and I highly value your advice and thoughts.

Bri honestly I don't respond to a lot of stuff here, because the posters are not willing to listen. I am confident that you are different than most, and if you stick with it you will have some cool stuff to share.

robham7770 replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

No prob Bri, I have wanted a breeding pair of O's(or 2 that got along) since I got into this. I want you to keep them, and recognize that you know it may not happen. I had several central american pairs breed, but not 1 oscar tolerate another for any length of time. Hope it works out.

Bri B replied the topic: Re:Ron and Vicky sitting in a tree...

My biggest concern about splitting them is this. If I rehome him or her to my lfs they will end up in an empty all be it well filtered 29 gallon at the largest and most likely be adopted by someone who has no clue. The 55 they currently live in has a constant <20 nitrate level and they get a fantastic diet. Which one sounds better for them???